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Burlington Central - Nelson School Realignment Boundary Review

During the Burlington Southwest Boundary Review, HDSB Planning staff received feedback from the Boundary Review Committee (BRC) and the public regarding the split cohort at Tecumseh Public School. Following the approval of Board Report 26039 on June 2, 2026, this review represents the next logical step for the neighbourhoods east of Guelph Line. Since scenario 14b (modified) successfully resolved the French Immersion split, this review will focus exclusively on the English program.

At the June 2, 2026, Board meeting, HDSB Trustees approved a motion to initiate a boundary review process to realign the Burlington - Nelson Boundary along Guelph Line. This process will be managed by a newly established Steering Committee and will have no impact on currently enrolled students. The review is scheduled for completion before the distribution of option sheets, which begins in October 2026. Implementation of any boundary changes may take effect as early as September 2027.

The motion, as presented in Board Report 26040 is as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Trustees direct staff to initiate and complete a boundary review for Secondary Review Areas (SRA) 101 Downtown Burlington, 102, Southeast Burlington, to realign the boundaries of the English program for community cohesion.

The boundary review may impact the following secondary schools:

  • Burlington Central HS
  • Nelson HS

Below is the Study Area map illustrating the area under review:

Map showing the Burlington Central HS and Nelson HS realignment study area, highlighted in orange between the two schools in Burlington.

​​For more information on the process and the roles and responsibilities of the committees, please review the School Boundary Review Administrative Procedure.

It is anticipated that the review will follow the Pathway 2 process as per the above Administrative Procedure, which won’t require the establishment of a Boundary Review Committee composed of Parent Members. It’s anticipated that the changes will be phased in over time, and no existing students will be moved who are currently attending Nelson or Burlington Central PS.

Updates and Communication

Board Meeting Agenda

This message was provided to all parents/guardians and principals at the following schools: Tecumseh, Burlington Central HS and Nelson HS on June 9, 2025 

SUBJECT: Notification of Burlington Central - Nelson School Realignment Boundary Review

Dear parent/guardian,  

We are writing to inform you of an upcoming boundary review for the communities of Burlington Central HS, Nelson High HS and Tecumseh PS. At the June 2, 2026, Board meeting, Trustees of the Halton District School Board passed a motion (below) to initiate the process for a boundary review. 

Trustee motion (as presented in Board Report 26040)

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Trustees direct staff to initiate and complete a boundary review for Secondary Review Areas (SRA) 101 Downtown Burlington, 102, Southeast Burlington, to realign the boundaries of the English program for community cohesion.

This boundary review primarily focuses on the Tecumseh PS area east of Guelph Line. Currently, students in this specific neighbourhood attend Burlington Central HS. This creates a split cohort, separating them from their peers in the adjacent Tecumseh PS neighbourhood who attend Nelson HS.

Figure 1: Study Area

This boundary review will not impact current students or students entering schools in September 2026.

What is the goal of this boundary review? 

Current pathways do not reflect the convergence of Makwendam PS and Tecumseh PS at the Grade 7 and 8 level. This boundary review aims to keep student cohorts together, minimize transitions and bring more students closer to their community schools. 

Tecumseh PS will maintain a split Grade 8 community, as students from the Leighland neighbourhood will still be directed to Burlington Central HS due to its proximity.

Please note that you are receiving this message as the outcome of this boundary review may impact the school where your child attends Grade 9 in September 2027.

What are the next steps?

  • A Boundary Review Steering Committee (made up of trustees, senior administration and planning staff) will be formed to confirm the Pathway 2 process, determine the schools involved and develop an option in accordance with the HDSB’s School Boundary Review Administrative Procedure. 

  • Notification of a Recommendation will be sent upon a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

This boundary review is expected to conclude by September 2026, with any changes taking effect in September 2027.

Further information

More details will be shared with affected school communities as the process continues. Families can stay informed by visiting the boundary review webpage, which contains background information and updates to date. If you have questions about this boundary review, please email BurlCen-Nelson_Review@hdsb.ca.

 

Past Meeting Resources & Upcoming Meetings

BRSC Meetings

TBD

Boundary Review Recommendations (For Information)

TBD

Boundary Review Recommendations (For Decision)

TBD

Contact

If you have any questions regarding this review please email BurlCen-Nelson_Review@hdsb.ca

Resources and Additional Information